I do not have two ha'pennies for a penny to my name.
two ha'pennies for a penny
idiomAny money whatsoever.
Origin
disputed originSuggesting that somebody has so little money that they could not even exchange somebody's penny for two halfpennies.
The business is failing so badly that the owner does not have two ha'pennies for a penny to pay the staff.
After the market crash destroyed his entire fortune, the once wealthy investor found himself without two ha'pennies for a penny to buy a simple meal.
- 01
a pound to a penny
Very likely; almost certainly.
- 02
bad penny
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
- 03
beast with two backs
Two people united in sexual intercourse in the missionary position.
- 04
eat for two
To be pregnant
- 05
fall between two stools
To fit into neither of two categories and, hence, be neglected or fail.
- 06
feed two birds with one scone
Synonym of kill two birds with one stone.
- 07
for two pins
Readily, with only the slightest encouragement.
- 08
greater of two evils
The most harmful or unpleasant of two undesirable alternatives.
Last updated July 12, 2026